We’re unfazed by critics – Darren Bravo

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

Marquee batsman Darren Bravo said yesterday that the Windies would not be overawed by their opposition at the upcoming ICC World Cup in England, but would be focussing on executing their unique brand of cricket.

The two-time World Cup champions are not among the favourites for the May 30 to July 14 tournament, largely due to their lowly number nine ranking, with hosts and world number, England the hot favourites.

"To be honest, most other teams are quality teams but having said that, when we played against England, no one gives us a chance. I think that once we concentrate on what we have to do as a team, I think that is the most important thing," the left-hander said during the Windies training camp at 3W's Oval.

"We are not going to focus very much on the opposition. We have certain plans and certain roles we want to execute and I believe that the results will take care of itself. As I said before, no one gave us a chance against England and we went out there and proved that we can beat the best team in the world, so we just have to go out there and continue believing in ourselves as much as possible."

Bravo was referring to the recent five-match home series against England, which the hosts drew 2-2, with one match rained off.

Written off before the start, the Windies played outstandingly after losing the opening match by 26 runs at Kensington Oval, rebounding to win the second match of the double-header by 26 runs.

Crushed England

Rain forced the abandonment of the third one-day international (ODI) in Grenada before England clinched the fourth contest at the same venue, despite the Windies' record 389 in pursuit of 419.

The Windies crushed England by seven wickets in the final match in St Lucia, with Chris Gayle slamming an astonishing 77 off 27 balls to end the series with 424 runs.

"I think it was a fantastic series for us as a team led brilliantly by Jason and Chris Gayle," Bravo said.

"I think Chris set the tone at the top of the order in the ODIs that gave the motivation to go out there and perform against the best team in the world. It was a very good series and I am happy that it was very competitive and it should give us confidence moving forward."

Bravo is part of the Windies 14-man squad preparing for the tour of Ireland which runs from May 3-17 in Dublin. They will clash with the hosts and Bangladesh in the triangular series.